Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered if the stars held more power than meets the eye? In Katie Zhao’s electrifying young adult fantasy novel “Zodiac Rising,” the first installment in her Descendants of the Zodiac series, the constellations aren’t just twinkling lights—they’re the source of an ancient magic that has shaped the fate of an entire people for over a century.
Picture this: a hidden boarding school in the heart of Manhattan, where the halls are filled not with ordinary teenagers, but with the descendants of the Chinese zodiac animals. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill high school students; they’re vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, and more, all grappling with a curse that has haunted their kind for generations. But when whispers of lost zodiac statues and murdered classmates start to circulate, four unlikely allies must band together for a high-stakes heist that could change everything.
A Stellar Cast of Characters
Zhao introduces us to a quartet of protagonists that leap off the page:
- Evangeline: A vampire with a century of pent-up hunger and a thirst for justice
- Nicholas: A shapeshifter haunted by his past, seeking redemption
- Alice: A mortal girl with mysterious powers and an even more mysterious heritage
- Tristan: A werewolf desperate to tame the beast within
Each character brings their own unique perspective and abilities to the table, creating a dynamic team that’s as volatile as it is compelling. The author masterfully weaves their individual arcs into the larger narrative, giving readers multiple entry points into this richly imagined world.
A Heist for the Ages
At its core, “Zodiac Rising” by Katie Zhao is a heist story, and what a heist it is! Zhao crafts a pulse-pounding adventure that will have readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate planning, the nail-biting execution, and the constant threat of discovery all combine to create a rollercoaster ride of tension and excitement.
But this isn’t just any old theft—it’s a desperate grab for the very source of the Descendants’ magic. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Zhao never lets us forget it. Every setback feels catastrophic, every small victory hard-won. It’s the kind of story that keeps you up well past your bedtime, promising yourself “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve devoured the whole book.
A Fresh Take on Familiar Tropes
While “Zodiac Rising” draws on some well-worn YA fantasy tropes—the hidden magical school, the chosen one, the band of misfits—Katie Zhao breathes new life into these familiar elements with her unique blend of Chinese mythology and contemporary urban fantasy. The result is a world that feels both comfortably familiar and excitingly fresh.
The Chinese zodiac provides a fascinating framework for the magic system, and Zhao does an excellent job of integrating these elements into the story without overwhelming the reader with exposition. It’s clear she’s done her research, and the depth of her world-building shines through on every page.
Representation Matters
One of the most refreshing aspects of “Zodiac Rising” by Katie Zhao is its diverse cast of characters. In a genre that has often been dominated by Western European-inspired settings and predominantly white characters, Zhao’s novel is a breath of fresh air. The main characters are all of Chinese descent, and their cultural heritage is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story.
This representation extends beyond just ethnicity. The book touches on themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to be caught between two worlds—ideas that will resonate with many readers, regardless of their background.
A Few Stumbling Blocks
While “Zodiac Rising” by Katie Zhao is an undeniably engaging read, it’s not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel a bit uneven, with some sections dragging while others rush by at breakneck speed. The large cast of characters, while diverse and interesting, can occasionally become overwhelming, making it difficult to keep track of everyone’s motivations and allegiances.
Additionally, some readers may find the romantic subplots a bit underdeveloped. While there are hints of potential relationships, they often take a backseat to the main plot. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it’s refreshing to see a YA novel that doesn’t make romance the central focus—but those looking for swoon-worthy love stories may be left wanting more.
The Verdict
Despite these minor quibbles, “Zodiac Rising” is a thrilling start to what promises to be an exciting new series by Katie Zhao. Zhao’s writing is crisp and engaging, with moments of genuine humor balancing out the darker elements of the story. Her characters are well-rounded and relatable, each with their own distinct voice and personality.
For fans of:
- “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
- “The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare
- “Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin
If you enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy with a unique magical system, diverse characters, and high-stakes action, “Zodiac Rising” should definitely be on your to-read list. I can’t wait to see what Zhao has in store for these characters in the next installment, “Heirs of Power.”
Fun Facts
- Katie Zhao is also the author of the middle-grade “Winnie Zeng” series, which blends Chinese mythology with contemporary school stories.
- The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal.
- In Chinese astrology, your zodiac animal is determined by your birth year, not your birth month.
Food for Thought
As you read “Zodiac Rising,” consider these questions:
- How does Zhao use the Chinese zodiac to explore themes of destiny versus free will?
- In what ways do the characters’ supernatural abilities reflect or amplify their personalities?
- How does the setting of Manhattan influence the story? How might it be different if set elsewhere?
- What role does heritage play in shaping the characters’ identities and choices?
- How does the curse affect each character differently? What does this reveal about them?
The Final Word
“Zodiac Rising” is more than just another YA fantasy novel—it’s a celebration of Chinese culture, a thrilling heist adventure, and a thoughtful exploration of identity all rolled into one. Katie Zhao has crafted a world that’s both magical and grounded, populated by characters you can’t help but root for (even when they’re making questionable decisions).
As the first book in a series, it does an excellent job of setting up the world and the conflicts that will drive the overarching story forward. While it resolves its main plot satisfactorily, it leaves plenty of tantalizing threads dangling for future installments.
Whether you’re a long-time fantasy fan or new to the genre, “Zodiac Rising” by Katie Zhao offers something fresh and exciting. It’s the kind of book that reminds us why we fell in love with reading in the first place—the thrill of discovery, the comfort of finding ourselves in fictional characters, and the pure joy of getting lost in a well-crafted story.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy, check your horoscope, and dive into the magical world of the Zodiac Descendants. Just be careful—once you start, you might find it impossible to put down!